Rebecca Lucy Taylor to lead West End revival of Teeth ‘n’ Smiles

Rebecca Lucy Taylor, also known as Self Esteem, will star in a new revival of David Hare’s Teeth ‘n’ Smiles.

The rebel play will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a West End revival, directed by Daniel Raggett. It follows Maggie Frisby, once the roaring voice of 60s counterculture, and now broke and disillusioned with her band on the brink of breakup.

Teeth ‘N’ Smiles has music by Nick Bicât and lyrics by Tony Bicât, and will feature new additional music and lyrics by Taylor.

She said today: “I’m deeply honoured to be bringing Teeth ‘n’ Smiles back for its 50th anniversary. I love to challenge myself in new forms and I can’t wait to slap you round the face with Maggie. I am a huge fan of Daniel and David’s work, and the chance to collaborate with them on such a landmark production is something I am insanely excited about.”

It will mark Taylor’s West End play debut when performances start at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Hare added: “I can’t think of anything more exciting than watching Rebecca Lucy Taylor and Dan Raggett strip the varnish off my old play. It’s a perfect moment to see if a new generation responds to that 70s mix of hope, drugs, music, sex and despair.”

While Raggett concluded: “I first read David’s play over a decade ago and it seared itself into my brain. I’ve wanted to direct it ever since and – thanks to the vision of Wessex Grove – I feel so lucky to be working on this revival alongside David, Nick, Tony and the incomparable Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who brings the whole thing alive as Maggie.”

Speaking about the casting, he said: “Like me, she responded to this 50-year-old play as if it were written yesterday and there couldn’t be a better time for it to come roaring back into the West End. An extraordinary picture of a world, and a band, tearing itself apart at the seams – shot through with some really great songs – its spirit of rock n roll revolution/desperate howl of defiance feels just as pertinent now as it did in 1975.”

Presented by Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions Teeth ‘n’ Smiles will play from March 2026. Further casting, creative team, and full dates to be announced soon.